Boss of Browns 'D' names surprising MVP

You might not believe who Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton says is the MVP of his No. 5-ranked defense. Horton explains.

Steve Doerschuk CantonRep.com sports writer @sdoerschukREP

The Browns have their best defense of the expansion era.

At least, they have never been ranked this high — No. 5 in yards allowed — this late in a season since 1999.

What is making the unit tick?

In a stunner today, defensive coordinator Ray Horton said safety Tashaun Gipson is "the MVP" of the unit.

"He's done a remarkable job," Horton said after today's practice for Sunday's game at Cincinnati.

Gipson was undrafted out of Wyoming last year. His playing time as a rookie increased because of injuries, but he wasn't even sure he would make this year's team in August.

Instead, he has filled a void at free safety.

What makes him the MVP?

"He's a former corner whose playing time was limited last year," Horton said. "He's in a position that requires a ton of smarts. You can never be wrong.

"He's a much better tackler than I envisioned. He's tough. He's protected some guys who may have been out of position.

"He's just been a fantastic player."

Undrafted? That puts Gipson on the other end of the spectrum from former Round 1 picks Joe Haden, Phil Taylor and Barkevious Mingo, and former Round 2 picks D'Qwell Jackson, T.J. Ward, Jabaal Sheard and Paul Kruger (drafted by Baltimore).

Horton had nice things to say about others on his defense, including members of a secondary that is playing "as well as any group in the league," according to Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis.

Gipson, though, is playing better than Horton dreamed.

"It's a comfort," Horton said, "because I know he's going to be in the right place, doing the right thing."